Pasadena City College honors Indigenous trauma on National Day of Mourning

In the United States, Pasadena City College organized its most significant National Day of Mourning observance on November 25, 2024. This event was a notable effort to recognize and honor Indigenous perspectives on Thanksgiving. The Indigenous People's Advocacy Collective at PCC spearheaded the event, which featured a range of educational presentations, cultural elements, and trauma healing workshops aimed at addressing historical inaccuracies and acknowledging past traumas faced by Native American communities. Jordyn Orozco, who is a professional expert at the college and a member of the organizing collective, highlighted the event's significance as a day of remembrance for those who have passed while calling attention to the erasure of Indigenous identities throughout history. The National Day of Mourning, established in 1970 by the United American Indians of New England, serves as a counterpoint to the traditional Thanksgiving narrative, focusing instead on the injustices faced by Native Americans. This observance gained wider attention when Wampanoag leader Wamsutta Frank James was denied the opportunity to deliver a speech regarding Indigenous injustices during a Thanksgiving celebration. Over the years, the observance has adapted, and in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, it has evolved to incorporate both in-person and virtual components, allowing it to reach larger audiences while maintaining a strong mission of education and awareness. The free observance took place from 2:30 p.m. to 4 p.m. and included several key activities, such as an opening blessing by a local tribal student and a formal presentation discussing the historical context of the National Day of Mourning. Furthermore, the event featured an interactive trauma healing workshop led by “the Bratty Bruta,” which focused on techniques to release stored trauma energy. Local tribal representatives from groups like the Gabrielino Tongva and Gabrielino Shoshone played a role in the event's planning, showcasing a collaborative effort aimed at honoring Indigenous experiences. While some community leaders could not attend due to prior engagements, the participation of local tribal members and students added to the event's meaningfulness. Orozco noted that such a significant observance had not occurred in the twelve years she has been with the college, indicating a milestone in the recognition of Indigenous issues at the institution. This observance formed part of a broader initiative at Pasadena City College to highlight Native American Heritage Month and foster understanding of alternative perspectives regarding Thanksgiving. The event underscored the importance of reflecting on historical injustices while promoting a mindful recognition of the suffering endured by Indigenous communities throughout history.